The 2026 MLB Draft is shaping up to be an exciting affair, with a plethora of talented hitters ready to make their mark in the professional ranks. This year's class is particularly intriguing, as it features a diverse range of players with unique skill sets and potential. Here's a deep dive into the top 25 hitters in the draft, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech: Lackey's power surge this season has propelled him to the top of the draft. His combination of athleticism, bat-to-ball skills, and increased power output makes him a top prospect. While some may question the sample size, his performance speaks for itself, and he's a player who could make an immediate impact in the MLB.
Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA: Cholowsky is a consistent performer with a high floor. His elite defensive skills, bat-to-ball abilities, and natural feel for pullside power make him a special talent. With a combination of average and power, he could be a fast mover in the MLB, potentially making an impact as soon as 2028.
Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX): Emerson is an advanced hitter with a natural feel for doubles and a strong foundation of contact abilities. His 6-foot-2 frame and present bat-to-ball skills make him a dream prospect for adding power in the future. The industry's belief in his potential is well-founded, and he could be a top pick in the draft.
Chris Hacopian, 3B/OF, Texas A&M: Hacopian's rise up the boards is justified by his consistent performance and MLB readiness. His elite contact rates, chase rates, and average exit velocity make him a top-10 prospect. While his exit velocity concerns me, his overall profile is impressive, and he could be a fast mover in the MiLB.
Derek Curiel, OF, LSU: Curiel's strength gains and power improvements are notable, but his power stagnated from Freshman to Sophomore year. His contact and chase rates are impressive, and he has an elite feel for maximizing bat speed. With continued strength gains, he could be a coveted player at the MLB level.
Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech: Burress has multiple years of production and reliable data, making him a modern-day power hitter. His combination of contact, chase, and average exit velocity is similar to Nick Kurtz. While his contact rate is somewhat concerning, his overall profile is strong.
Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep (FL): Lombard possesses a brother and a day with years of professional baseball experience, making him an intriguing prospect. His tall and skinnier frame suggests room for growth in power, but a move off SS might be necessary. His athletic abilities and dreamable tools make him a player to watch.
AJ Gracia, OF, Virginia: Gracia has been a data darling for three years, but his stats haven't aligned. His contact and chase rates are impressive, but his average exit velocity has not progressed. A wood bat might be a challenge for his power development.
Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS): Booth showcases an impressive speed and strength combination, but his approach needs improvement. He needs to learn to naturally lift the ball to maximize his strength. His current 'hard on top' approach is a concern.
Carson Kerce, SS, Georgia Tech: Kerce's batted ball profile is real, with above-average to elite contact, chase, and exit velocity. His groundball rate is the only limitation to his power. With the right organization, his profile has serious potential.
Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky: Bell's contact rate is concerning, but his elite chase rate and high-level plate discipline are notable. If his power progresses, he could reach the three true outcomes ceiling.
Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas: Helfrick's profile is serviceable with good defense, but his contact rate is a concern. His power, above-average plate discipline, and elite defense make him a valuable prospect.
Ace Reese, 3B, Mississippi St.: Reese's power is legitimate, but his chase rate is aggressive. The combination of swing and miss and high chase rate is a concern, even for power hitters.
Caden Ferraro, OF, Texas Tech: Ferraro is the most complete hitter in this group, with a high floor. His contact rate, chase rate, and average exit velocity are impressive, and he's only one adjustment or two away from being elite.
Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama: Lebron's elite defensive skills, 41 stolen bases, and smooth movement are enticing. His 2026 season was his worst, but improved contact and chase rates make him a potential 30/30 player.
Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia: Jackson's .396/.492/.837 slash line and 31 home runs are impressive, but his contact rate and chase rate need improvement. His profile at the catcher position is serviceable, but he's not a defender like Helfrick or Stevenson.
Trevor Condon, OF, Etowah HS (GA): Condon is an impressive athlete with plus speed and bat-to-ball skills. His focus on bat-to-ball makes him a safe floor, but his high ceiling is limited.
Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCU: Strosnider and Sorrell are similar prospects with data concerns. Both have tools to dream on, but their aggressive approaches need toning down in professional baseball.
Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M: Sorrell's approach needs improvement, but his raw strength and power are impressive. His exit velocity and power combination make him a player to watch.
Carson Tinney, C, Texas: Tinney's bat speed and power combination are elite, and his chase rates are above average. With improved contact rates, he could be an everyday backstop at the MLB level.
Steven Milam, SS, LSU: Milam is a data darling with an elite contact rate and chase rate. His power is worrisome, but his bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline make him a high-average hitter.
Andrew Williamson, OF, Central Florida: Williamson's contact and chase rates need improvement, but his 93 mph exit velocity and 108.9 EV90 are intriguing. His athletic abilities make him a player to watch.
Jarren Advincular, 2B, Georgia Tech: Advincular has the best bat-to-ball skills in the class, with an intentional approach. His contact rate, chase rate, and groundball rate show his process. In pro ball, his line drive rate needs to improve.
Aiden Robbins, OF, Texas: Robbins' power is above average, but his swing and miss are a concern. His contact rate needs improvement, especially with a high chase rate.
Nu'u Contrades, 2B, Arizona St.: Contrades is a fun prospect with late-developing power. His approach is aggressive, but if it cleans up, his contact/power combination is impressive.
